Is Your Business Vulnerable to Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is a crime of opportunity. Most often, hackers are looking for an easy way into business computer networks, regardless of size. They probe to find the path of least resistance, which often leads them to Small and Mid-sized Businesses (SMBs).
Cybercriminals consider SMBs soft targets because:
- Typically, SMBs have less security infrastructure.
- They do not have an employee trained in IT Security.
- SMBs don’t enforce IT Security policies and practices.
- They do not have the resources to respond to threats quickly.
- Employee Security Awareness Training (SAT) is not a priority
These vulnerabilities leave SMBs wide open to cybercrime. As a result, statistics are showing that small businesses are suffering financial losses and even failing due to cyberattacks.
Some sobering statistics:
- More than half (54%) of all breaches result in financial damages of over $500,000.
- Almost three-quarters of all breaches (71%) happen to SMBs
- 60% of SMBs fail after a cyber attack
- 95% of all security breaches were the result of human error.
A good solution is to outsource your IT Security to a qualified Managed Services Provider (MSP) like QualityIP. Managed IT Security includes firewalls, monitoring and incident response, password management, e Waste disposal, physical security, and more.
An MSP acts as your virtual Security Officer. They apply automated security policies within your network and establish procedures for your employees to follow. It’s their job to help you implement and enforce IT Security best practices throughout your organization. As a result, your business becomes less vulnerable to attack.
While every element of IT Security is equally important, Security Awareness Training is often neglected by small businesses. Because humans cause 95% of incidents, it is critical to include SAT in your cyber security plan. In addition, SAT is also required in some industries to meet compliance requirements.
Most plans include initial training to cover the basics. However, to keep security top of mind for your employees, it’s essential that quick, weekly reminders about how to keep company and personal data safe are part of your program.
Make your company less vulnerable to cybercriminals
How to fight back:
- Confirm that you have state-of-the-art security infrastructure in place
- Check that your MSP has the tools and knowledge to act as your virtual Security Officer, and can implement policies and procedures as well as respond to incidents
- Educate your employees on the most common mistakes people make that put your business at risk with Security Awareness Training
Cybercriminals are looking for the easy target. Take action today. The success of your business may depend on it.